By IRNA,
New Delhi : India’s Vice President M Hamid Ansari on Monday left for a three-day visit to Kuwait.
The vice president will call on the Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, after reaching Kuwait.
The visit is the first trip by any top Indian leader to the Persian Gulf country in nearly three decades.
Issues related to energy security will be discussed by Ansari with the leadership of the hydrocarbon-rich country, which provides 12 percent of India’s crude oil imports.
Maritime security for India’s strategic interests and terrorism would also be discussed during the visit.
Ansari will also hold talks with Kuwaiti ministers of defence, foreign affairs, oil and finance. Ansari will also interact with Kuwaiti industry leaders.
With India looking for foreign investments to the tune of US$500 billion over the next few years, Ansari will discuss ways by which flow of funds from Kuwait can increase particularly in the times of global economic crisis which is affecting India too.
The two sides are also likely to sign two agreements on cooperation in the field of science and technology, and educational exchanges.
India and Kuwait enjoy traditionally close and friendly relations, based on historical linkages that have deepened and diversified over time.
Geographic proximity, cultural affinities, trade ties continue to sustain and nurture long-standing friendship of two countries.